The GAA’s standing playing rules committee meets in Croke Park this evening where the black card is certain to be discussed.

Acclaimed American sportswriter Steve Rushin has been to the North and South Poles and most places in between. However, his love of the written word remains undimmed

Irish peacekeeping troops on the frontline in Lebanon are on high alert for the possibility the Syrian civil war will engulf the area, military chiefs have revealed, as Enda Kenny becomes the first Taoiseach in 15 years to visit the danger zone.

Laois and Antrim board chiefs have blasted the impractical Leinster SHC schedule, claiming it is "unfair" to force both counties back inside the whitewash this weekend.

Traditional Irish singing legend Sean Ó Sé has spoken openly about his battle with cancer in the hope that it will encourage men over 50 to get regular health checks.

Two counties still searching for a senior football manager are expected to fill the respective positions next week.

Wexford hurler Rory Jacob has backed his county board’s threat to legally challenge the new league proposals should they be passed by Central Council tomorrow.

Laois County Board secretary Niall Handy revealed there is no great rush to fill the managerial post vacated by Justin McNulty.

So what’s it going to be? A thoroughbred major winner with killer course management and length to spare? A major virgin with a hot putter and an even hotter wedge? How about a straight-hitting gut-player with a laser-like long game and a brain?

Transition year students are the focus of the ‘Future is Food’ drive to promote Irish artisan foods, launched by the Taste Council of Ireland and Bord Bia.

Ryan McKane was only 10 at the time but can still remember his parents having an angry discussion over what should happen next.

GAA Congress delegates have given their overwhelming backing to a new structure for the Hurling Championship from 2014.

The Antrim County Board have plumped for Frank Dawson to be the county's next senior football manager, following a statement released last night (Friday).

Kevin Ryan was officially installed as the new Antrim senior hurling manager at last night's County Committee meeting.

Four men are currently in contention to replace Liam Bradley as Antrim senior football manager, although the list could be added to as clubs in the county can nominate other candidates up until Sunday.

Páraic Duffy has admitted the GAA’s £15m (€19m) investment in the Casement Park project is a huge undertaking for the Association in the current economic climate.

Liam Bradley feels the time is right for him to leave Antrim — but insists that doesn’t necessarily mean he will be taking over as Derry manager.

Jerry Wallace has rejoined the Antrim management team a week after surprisingly stepping down as manager.

Antrim GAA Chairman Jim Murray has welcomed the return of Jerry Wallace to the Saffrons' senior hurling management.

The Antrim County Board has moved quickly to find a successor to hurling boss Jerry Wallace, who stepped down from his post at the weekend.

Six bouquets of flowers marked the freshly dug grave of Margaret McGuire, lying finally beside her husband Thomas.

ACADEMIC standards are being allowed to slide, according to the author of research that shows a doubling in top grades awarded by institutes of technology.

Jerry Wallis has been charged with improving the fortunes of the Antrim senior hurling team following his appointment last night as their new manager.

THE number of jobs posted by small firms has surged by one-third since the start of the year.

The Antrim team for tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC first round qualifier against Westmeath at Casement Park (throw-in 2pm) has been named.

BELIEVE it or not, ladies, I’m turning 30 soon.

BUSINESS PEOPLE, trade unions and politicians welcomed the Irish referendum vote as a breakthrough for the beleaguered Lisbon Treaty over the weekend, while the European Commission said it will undertake research on just why the Irish changed their minds.

“IT’S over to you” was the message from Brussels as Ireland prepared to go to the polls in a second attempt to ratify the Lisbon Treaty.

IRISH people living in Brussels are being offered free flights home to canvass in the referendum campaign.

UNNECESSARY red tape is costing European business €360 billion a year and much of it is there to keep special interest groups happy, according to a high-level report.

Folk musicians, artists, dancers and singers from Ireland, UK, Europe and beyond will descend on Cork this weekend for the Beamish Cork Folk Festival.

THIS year’s Beamish Folk Festival has been “Shanghai-ed”.

The South African man in black keeps turning up at Augusta to prove that staying active throughout life is a model all people should strive for. Simon Lewis reports

The European Commission announced a crackdown on toy safety today after a series of scares posing potential risks to children.

A unique Scotch single malt has been named World Whisky of the Year by a distinguished guide.

Tommy Barker finds a country retreat whose owner sings its own praises.

THE EUROPEAN Parliament and a leading consumer group has called for the CE mark to be scrapped because it could mislead people into thinking imported toys and other products were guaranteed safe.

HALF of the population in most EU countries is now overweight or obese while an increasing number of children are dangerously heavy.

AUGUST holidaymakers are set to benefit from dramatic cuts of up to 80% in their roaming mobile phone bills, as EU law makers agree to cap the fees phone companies can charge.

IRISH consumers being ripped off by companies selling anything from insurance to holidays should be able to take US-style class actions to win compensation, the European Commission says.

The president of the GAA, Nicky Brennan, has suggested all-Protestant teams to encourage more to become active in Gaelic games.

EUROPEAN companies that import, manufacturer or use chemicals will have to ensure they are safe.